Rotary discharge chute



` msm Gg. E. WEBB ROTARY DISCHARGE CHUTE Filed March 27. 1925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 1o, '1"928;

c'l:..A Ev. WEBB .ROTARY DISCHARGE CHUTE 3 Sheets-Shed 3 Filed MarclE'. 1926. l

Patented Apr. 10, 1928.

UNITE STATES GEORGE E. WEBB,

PATENT orifice.-

OF MILWAUKE, WISCONSIN, .ASSIGNOR T KOEERING COMPANY,

OF MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN, .A ('JORPORA'JII0'N.A

ROTARY DISGHARGE CHUTE.

Application filed March 27, 1926. Serial No. 97,9634.

kThis invention has relation to a certain type of discharge chute :tor concrete mixing fmachines, in which the chute means, in adstructure is used whereinA the. chute means4- comprises a supportingl means which is mounted substantially concentric with the axis of the drum so that the chute supported thereby may be .turned about said axis to a i position in which said chute performs a mixing function, and to a reversed position to which it may be rotated, said chute performing a discharging functionI for the mixing drum. A

S0 far as I am aware, it has not been proposed heretofore to use a chute, or rotative combined mixingv and discharge device, for obviously where-a device such as vsuggested is employed it does the work, practically speaking, of two different devices, i, e., the usual discharge chute, and a remixiiig element that is a part of the niixingiunction of the concrete mixing mechanism. -In doits mixing workthe discharge device or chute is capable of directing the aggregates hack from the discharge end ot the mixing dimm to the opposite end of the latter.

Q In addition to the foregoing, my inven `ti'oninvolves a novel chute or ischarge structure thatpossesses self-operating functins',`so to speak, because by reason of the method of handling the aggregates in the vminer, the said aggregates may be employed t'o'iact on the discharge means with peculiarly directed impact forces that are adapted to actually move or operate the said means to shift it from one position to another.

iThis'important feature of my invention resides in the peculiar formation' of the chute whereby it is provided with side or wing members assistin to direct the falling mixed materials into t e chute for discharge or f or remi'xing, as the case may be, the said side or wing members on the chute being so arranged that the falling materials act with pressure forces or impact action against the side .or wing which happens to be in vthe path thereof, thus tending to rotate the chute aboutits axis, either to bring it to a dis charging position or to an inoperative position, or to a mixinfr position, if, when it is vinoperative `to disc large, it `acts to do mixing work.

Y Underthese conditions, I am enabledto turnfthe. chute from its discharging to its mixin position, and reverse these positions as we l, bythe expenditure of no manual 'I0 or vmechanically applied forces, and with the use of much reduced power it the machine vis exceptionally large. The last described self-propelling action may be availed of whether the chute is merely a discharge device or has both discharging and vmixing functions. a

This is a factor of much importance in y'e-ry -large mixers in which the falling mixmb materials are exceedingly heavy and ree0 quirc the application of great force not only to enable the turning of the chute itself, by reason of its own weight, but additional force because of the resistance offered by thefalling materials to any moving adjust 85 ment of the chute. The greatly increased -5 ower necessary for these operations of my invention applied to. ordinary mixers of today, has been one of the initiating causesfor my evolving my invention herein.

My invention involves additionally, a specific form of chute body and a peculiar form of stationary chute associated therewith, involving guard means, together with a special mounting of the said parts in relation c5 to a splash'plate provided at the discharge opening of the mixing drum. In the accompanying dra,wings:--` l Figure 1 is an end `view of the .n'iixing machine showing particularly the iiii'xing wo drum thereof and illustrating the parts on ,the section 1--1v of Figure 2.

Figure 2 is a transverse sectional view through the drum and the dischargedevices. Figure 3 is a side View ofthe discharge and mixing chute illustrating the same -detached and located in its mixing position.

Figure 4 vis a sectional view through'the discharge chute. taken on the linev of the Figure 2.l t e 'n Figure 5 is azsectional view ofthe inventiontaken about on the line 5-5 of Figure 2. Figure 6 is l a'sectional view showing a modified adaptationof the invention.

Figure 7 Yis a sectional View bringing out y more clearly the manner in which the impact forces ofthe aggregates raise and drop by agitation in the mixer and are directed againstthe wings or sides of the chute.

Describing my invention specifically, and

referring to the accompanying drawings, 1

denotes the mixingdrum of the rotary concrete' mixing mechanism, the said machine being lifting uckets 2a by which the materials that are being mixed are agitated andlifted' and dropped during the rotation of drum 1.

able frame work, after 'the known manner,

and its construction need notl be further de' tailed. 'Usually a drum ofthis type is provided with a charging opening at one end,

and at its opposite lend is located the dis` may be supported at the discharge opening movement by of the drum for free rotatingl be d rst to edifferent means than that' scribed as one type comprising a truniiion or axis member 5. journaled in. a suitable bracket which is supported by the frame work 7 of the machine. The trunnion 5 is rovided with an integral hollow arm.8l proecting inwardly therefrom, as seen best iii 4 igure 3, and formed with this a'rni 8 is the 2, its' discharge position, it will receive` thereon the materials mixed lin* the drum 1 and lifted by the buckets 2 from which said materials 'drop down on the discharge ositioii'3x of the chute 3. The form of the c fute l is particularly novel in respect to the fact that `its body is oblique to the axis ofthe drum, both when they chute is acting as a eigiipped with interiorvblades 2, and

The mixing'drumd is mounted on a suit-l wliic Q and isinoperative `to discharge, at which discharge, and when it is turned to a posi- Y the dotted line position of Figure 2, it bet comes a part of the mixing function of the di'um land parts 2 and -2, for the vmaterials falling thereon will be carried backto the entering end of the drum and remixed byv sliding down the iemixing portion 3y there! of. VThis double action of a rotary chutey is a broad phase of this invention.

A s seen best lin Figure 2, the point which the hollow arm 8 joins the chute body 3h is made somewhat in the form of an lannulus 9 provided with an external groove in which is received arsplash plate lOtliat closes the discharge openinv of tlie'drum 1 at the point surrounding tfieouterend .of

Thevsplash plate 10 the discharge chute.

may "bev'fastened by bolts or like fastenings lto the Ydrum 1 at-the liaringjmouthfplate 11 of the latter.

' Passing now to another feature of im-l portan'ce of the invention, I make *thel disc'hargechute 3 with side members or impact wings 12, seen. best in Figure 4. Giie oftliese wings or side lmembers 12 is prof vided at each' side ofthe chute, the two wings extending in opposite directions at diagonallyopposite points, one downwardly and one upwardly, when the chute is in either of its two operating positions. operating positions, I mean, one position in which the chute discharges by use of discliarve portion 3", and another position in the chute forms a mixing elementtiine the mixing portion 3y is employed.

The sides or members 12 on the chute' .3 are located at opposite side edges thereof, as

llOv

wellas extending in oppositedirectionsv` and thesemembers are especially located foi' pej.

culiar cooperation with aggregates received from .the lifting buckets 2 and blades 2, see

Figure 5. In other words, when ,either of the nivembers 12 is uppermost it Visso located 'in respect to the buckets 2 that the aggregate materials wliicli cascade or drop from the buckets 2a onto the chute 3 are delivered with head or force directed'against the inside of 'the wing or side member` 12 upper` most.' Said materials, therefore', will' rotate or tend to turn theicliute 3 in a contra-clockwise direction according to the illustration.'-

the same being the 'direction of rotation of the mixer drum 1.- Under these conditions it' will be evident that considerablyflesspower, or no power, may bey required' for and tends to prevent the lodgment upon this turning thechute 3 in a lrotary manner,

though by means of a handle 5' seen in Figure 3 on the trunnion 5, manual orother power may be applied-to turn the chute if desired. Shallow anges 12 are located opposite' to eachy wing 12 to facilitate pouring of .the aggregates along the Yportions 3X and 3y.

It is notable that in cooperation` with the chute 3 I use the stationary chute 4 previously referred to and said chute 4 is preferably provided at its inner end with .an up- 4ward extension 4" having a. pivoted 'top plate -4b pivoted at 4. The upward extension 4a of the stationary chute 4 houses the arm 8 portion of the chute operating means, of v ,concrete plastic orsimilar materials that may be operated upon in the mixing drum 1.

1revolution, I may use the handle actuated To lock the chute 3 from rotation, or stop its lock means-A coacting with pins B on the l chute 3'.

The chute ofthe modiiiedconstruction isV designated 3y vand its wings 12a. The. said ",.chute is carried by the frame work 7 of the machine by providingon sald frame-A work a supporting bracket or brackets 15, carrying-"a circular frame 1 6 made` preferably in two or more sections, bolted together externally by clamping bolts 17.` The cir-. -cular frame part 16 is provided interiorly thereof Awith -a'ball race 18, between which and a supporting plate 19, attached to the 'Chute 3, are anti-friction ball bearings'20.

The supporting plate 19` is formed with spaced, annular .liangesf 21 adapted to receive therebetween the circular frame member 16, the parts fitting snugly together,

and maintained in supporting-relation by v the innerlocking actionjof the lianges 21 upon the supportingv frame 16. The 'sup-I porting .plate v19 is thus freely rotatable in relationy to the frame member 16. and said plate 19 at its inner-portion is bolted at intervals as by bolts-22 to the annular flange 23. which surrounds the chute. f

rIhe said fastening bolts 22, in addition `,toattaching the body of the chute 3ffto the supportingk plate 19, also secure to the flange 23 a resilient gliardmember 24 that-forms a seal between the chute structure and the dis- Jcharge opening of the druml. By reason offthe'foregoing arrangement,

" it will vapparent that 'my chute 3 is i wholly supported exteriorly of the drum 1',

- as to rea hters Patent, is:

the bearings between the chute support plate 19 and the circular framel. belng wholly outside of the drum and `therefore somewhat' remote from the space in which theaggregates are located. v j

The brackets .15 may be equipped with grease cus25 at the grease openings 26 so ily lubricate the -bearings 20 in a. self-evident manner, andthe lubrication is effectively retained in the bearing spaces by the construction proposed.v "j i The resilient member `'S24 y' constitutes a splash plate device corresponding to thesimilar part 10, previouslydescribed.

It will be 'understood lthat in accordance with my invention, I am not necessarily restricted to theuse of the mixing construction or function of thefc'hute 3 as my invention would be of practicalvalue for mixing drum discharge purposes independently of..

said function.

yMattersof invention disclosed herein, but

not claimed, are claimed in m copending applications, one covering disc arge mechanism-` for concrete mixers, 1926, Serial 'it-97,962, and the other covering .concrete mixing machines, tiled Sept.

25, 1926, Serial No.137,665.

Having thus described my invention, what I' claim as new and desire to cover by Let- 1. In a mixing-machine, in a mixmgdrum provided with a. discharge, means within the drum for elevating and filed Mar. 27,

, sa combination,

dropping materials mixed by th drum, a l

discharge chute associated with the discharge of the drum and comprising a'rotative body provided with means to receive,

in the direction of rotation of the body, the

impact of the materials elevated by the drum and dropped therein, whereby the turning of the chute is facilitated by said impactl action. v f

`2. In a mixing machine, in combination, a mixing drum provided with adisc-harge, means within the Vdrum for elevating and dropping materials mixed by the drum, va Y discharge chute associated with the dis-- charge of the drum yand comprising a rotative body provided with means to receive, in the direction of rotationfof the body, the impact lof the materials elevated by the drum and dropped therein. whereby the the upper` portion of thedrum outwardly in performing its discharge function, and

4turning' of the chute is facilitated by said,-y impact action, the said chute inclining from when turned to render such discharge func` tion. inoperative inclining from `the diss charge of `the drum downwardly vand in- 5.

wardly. e v

3. In combination, amixing `drum having lifting buckets for elevating and dropping. materials during rotation of the drum, the

said drum having a discharve opening, a rotary chute mounted at said discharge opening and extending into the drum to receive thereon the materials dropped in the drum by said buckets, means whereby the chute may bc turned from a discharging position to a reversed non-discharging position, and means on the chute for receiving the impact of the 'dropping materials elevated by the buckets of the drum so that the impact action sets up a turning force tending to rotate the chute to reduce the power necessary for this purpose.

4. In combination, a mixing drum having lifting buckets for elevating and dropping materials during rotation of the drum, the ,said drumhaving a discharge opening, a rotary chute mounted at said discharge opening and extending into the drum to receive thereon the materials dropped in the drum by said buckets, means whereby thel chute may be turned from a discharging position to a reversed non discharging position, and means'on the chute for receiving the impact of the dropping materials elevated by the buckets of the drum so that the impact ac.- tion sets up a turning force tending to-rotate the chute to reduce the power necessary for this purpose, saidimpact receiving means on the chute being located at opposite 'sides thereof so that the impact action will take place when the chute is in its discharging position, and when it is reversed so as to resume a non-discharging position within the drum. i Y

5. In combination, a mixing drum having lifting buckets to elevate and drop materials within the drum when said' materials are being agitated, the said drum having a discharge opening concentric with its axis, a. rotary chute mounted at said opening and comprising an inclined body extending withf in ythe drum in a direction oblique withl respect to the axis of the latter, means whereby said chute may be rotated to carry it from a 'position 'in which it iliclines from the disvharge opening downwardly toward the lower portion of the drum` and impact receiving wing members projecting from opposite sides of the chute to receive the impact torce of dropping materials in the drum in a manner tendmgto rotate the chute to facilitate turning adjustments thereof.

In a mixing machine, in combination, a mixing drum provided with a discharge, means within the drum for elevating and dro )ping materials mixed by the drum, a discharge chute associated with the discharge of the drum and comprising a rotative body provided with 'means to receive the impact of the materials elevated by the drum and dropped therein, .whereby the turning of the chute is facilitated by said impact action, and a splash plate device at the discharge of the drum surrounding the chute, said .associated therewith, a mountingmeans between the drum and discharge chute comprising a supporting -t'fame member externally ofthe drum, a supporting plate carried by the chute and having rotative connection with said frame member, the said supporting plate comprising spaced flanges receiving the said frame member therebe-q tween, and anti-friction bearings between the plate and the frame member. v

9. In a mixing machine, in combination, a mixing drum having a discharge opening, a rotative chute mounted in said discharge opening and provided with a. surrounding supporting plate arranged externally of the drum and provided with a bearing raceway, and a supporting frame element surrounding said plate and having a cooperating bearing raceway, anti-friction bearings for said raceways, and means arranged inward of the raceways engaging the drum to close the ydischarge opening thereof about the chute.

10.` In a mixing machine, in combination,

anv

a mixing drum havinga discharge opening,

a rotative chute mounted inA said discharge opening and provided with a surrounding supporting plate arranged externally of the drunrand provided with'a,bearingrace, and a .supporting frame element surrounding said plate and having a cooperating'race, miti-friction bearings carried in said races. the said supporting plate, and a resilient splash plate device carried by the supporting` plate.. aforesaid and extending therefrom lnto engagement with the vdrum for closing the discharge opening of the latter at the space between the chute and the drum.

11. 1n 'a mixing machine, in combination, a mixing drum having agitating means for lifting and dropping aggregates mixed therein, a. discharge device having a discharge portion and a mixing portion and arranged to extend into the mixing zone of the mixer so that the aggregates agitated therein will fall thereupon, `the said discharge device being movable to bring its discharge portion into action to Idischarge the contents of the drum, and additionally movable to render its mixing portion operable for cooperation with the drum agitating means for mixing the aggregates therein, and means on the discharge device formed and located` for receiving the impact of failing aggregates to be moved thereby.

ay mixing drum having agitating means therein for raising and dropping aggregates to be mixed thereby, a device mounted in association with the drum` and comprising@ separate discharge and mixing portions apro-l jecting into the mixin zoneof themixer and a mounting means or said device where by it may be moved to one position so thatV its discharging portion is operative, and then 4;

moved into another position to bring-its mix-l ing portion into operative location.l

13. In a mixing machine, in combination, a mixing drum having agitating Inr'ieans vtherein for raising and dropping aggregates to be mixed^thereby, a device mounted iiiV association with the drum and comprising separate discharge and mixing portions-projecting into the mixing zone of the nuxer,

and a mounting means for said device whereby it may be moved to one position so that its discharging portion is operative, and then moved into another position tobring itsmixing portion into operative location, the discharge and mixing portions of'said device `being located at oppositesides thereof.

14.A Ina mixing machine, in combination,

fa mixing drum having agitating means therein for raisin and dropping aggregates to be mixed there y, a device mounted in 'association with the drum and comprising separate discharge and mixing portions projecting into the mixing zone of the mixer,

and a mounting means for said device where- .by it may be moved :to one position vso that its discharging portion is active, and then moved into, another position to bring its mixf ing portion into operativeiise, the discharge and mixing portions of said device being located at opposite sides thereof, the mounting y means for the said device comprising parts whereby the device may be rotated to a1ternteiyrender operative its discharging and mixing portions.

15. In a concrete mixing machine, in combinatioma mixin drum having agitating elements therein or raising and dropping concrete aggregates lmixed t ereby, a` rotary device Vmounted fin ,cooperation ywith said drum and projecting into the zone of .the

falling a' gregates noperated upon in the drum, sai rotary device being provided with n two operatingportions, namelya discharge portion and a separate mixing portion,

adapted tobe alternately moved into opera tive position by rotation of the device.

16. In a concreteimixing machine, combination, a mixing drinn ha agitating elements therein oi-rai anl dropping concrete aggregates-mixed t ereby, va rotary mixin device mounted in cooperation with said drum and projecting into the zone of the falling aggregates operated upon :in the drum', said rotary device being provided with Y tv tfo operating poi-tions, namely a discharge l2. -In a mixing machine, in combination,

portion and a separate mixing portion, each adapted to be moved into an operative position by rotation of the device, the said discharge portion and mixing. portion ybeing provided with an impact member to receive the impact forces of aggregates gravitating pon said device.

17. In a concrete mixing machine, in comdrum havin agitating or raisin an dropping iereby, a rotary device mounted in cooperation. with said drum and projecting into the zone of the falling a gregates operated upon in the drum, sai rotary device being provided with two operating portions, namely a discharge portion and a separate mixing portion, each adapted to be move-d into an voperative position by rotation of the device, the said discharge (portion and mixing ortion being provide the impact forces of aggregates gravitating upon said device, mounted meanssupporting with an impact mem er to receive the said rotary device for rotation, and K means for holding the rotary device locked in a position .in which either of its dischargn ing and mixing portions is active.

18. In a concrete mixing machine, in combination, a rotary drum having agitating elements to lift and drop aggregates mixed therein, and a rotatable chute mounted in cooperation with the drum and comprising separate discharging and mixing ortions entering the drum and arranged in t e mix? ing zone of saidydrum, with means to turn the chute so that either the discharging portion or the mixing portion is uppermost and operative.

19. 'In a concrete mixing machine, in combination, a rotary -drum having agitating elements to lift and drop aggregat `j mixed therein, and a rotation chiite mounte" in co' operation with the drum and comprising separate discharging and mixing portions extending into the drum and arranged inthe zone of said drum, with means to ier turn t e chute so that either the discharging f l portion or the mixingfportion is uppermost y and'operative, said turning means including an impact .wing carried by each ,of the discharging and mixing Vportions and adapted t0 be acted upon by t e gravitating aggregates in the drum. 4

20. lIn a mixing machine, a rotar means or liftin and dropping aggregates mixed therein, a ischarging and mixing dein combination,

'vice cooperating with said drui, and impact ineens carried by said device to receive impact Yforces of the agitated contents of the mixing drum having agitating ier Y drum for shifting the said device'to render its discharging portion' or itsv mixing 'porrelative to said container,` and means for causing aggregates being mixed in said container to act upon the chute for shifting the same.

.23. Ina concrete `mixing apparatus, the

,-combination, with amixin'g-container, of a luo rotatably mounted chute adapted to be rotated freniv adischarging position to' a mix# ing'position, and means for causing aggregates beiiig mixed in said container to act upon theI chute for rotating the same.

l24. In a concrete mixing apparatus, the combination with a mixing drum, of' a chute shiftably mounted to move angularly substantially about the axis of rotation of v 'the drum to assume' a position of discharge relative to the drum or a position for mixing aggregates within the drum, saidl chute being located and shaped for receiving'the impact of. falling aggregates within the drum and for changing the course of the descending stream of such aggregates.

25. In a concrete mixing apparatus, the

. combination, withv a mixipg drum, of 'a chute shiftably mounted to move angularly substantially about the axis of rotation of the drum to assume a position of discharge relative to the drum or aposition for mixing aggregates within the drum, said chute being located and shaped for receiving theimpact of falling aggregates within the drum and for changing the course of the descending stream of such aggregates and directing said stream toward the entering end of thedrum.

26. In a concrete mixing apparatus. `the combination, with a mixing drum, of a chute rotatably mounted to move between a discharging position and a concrete mixing position, and means on the chute for'receiving the impact of falling aggregates within the` drum and varying the course of such aggregates 4and distributing the stress of such. impact in the direction of rotation of the chute. l

27.y Ina concrete mixing apparatus, the

combinatiomwith a mixing drum,`of an invertable chute sha'ped to discharge aggregatesv from the drum when one side is uppermost and to aid in, mixing of aggregates *when the othe'fside is uppermost, and a insane splash plate for the chuteldisposed to re- I ceive the impact offalling` aggregates within the drum 'and to apply the stress thereof in a directiontending to invert the chute.

28. In a 'concrete mixing apparatus, the combinationwith a mixing drum, of a rotatably mounted chute adapted to assume a position for dischargingmaterial'from the drum andto be' inverted to a position for mixing material within the drum, and splash plates on said chiite adapted to receive the impact of fallin aggregates with-y in the drum and applyt e stresses thereof in a direction tending to cause rotation of the chiite.

29'. In a concrete mixing 'apparatus, the

combination, with a mixing .drum having a discharge opening, of a discharge chute for the drum, means sealin the area between the chute and drum, an `meansfoutward of the sealing means for rotatively sustaining.

the chute.

30. In a concrete mixingapparatus, theA combination, with a mixing drinn having a discharge opening,of a rotary chute mounted at said openingandl providedwith an annular flange forming a closurefr said opening,and a resilient part carried by'said chute and .engaging the drum to establish non-leaking connection between the chute and drum.

31. In a concrete Amixing apparatus, the

combination, with .a rotary drum having a Y discharge opening, of a rotary chute mounted at said opening and having an annular flange forming a'closure, for said o ening,

and a resilient part carried by sai chute and engaging the inner ortion of Said drum for establishing non-lea 'ng connection be.- tween the drum and chiite. f

32..In a concrete mixing apparatus, the. combination, witha mixing drum having means therein for elevating and dropping aggregates, of a chuteassociated -with the drum and having separatedischarge and mixing portions extending Ainto the mixing zone rof the drum, said chute havin an outstanding part. additional to the is'charge portion to assist in the mixing action when in mixing position, and mounting means for said chutewhei'eby'the chute may be moved from a discharging position to a'mixing position and return.i i Y 33. In a concrete' mixing apparatus, the combination, with a movably mounted. container 'having a discharge' opening, of a discharge chute lhaving asubstantial non-leakin engagement withv the container about vsaid discharge opening, said chute being mounted to move relativel to the container and lalso with the container and being ada t` ed to be stopped in its motion'in closing said discharge opening.

34.' In -a concrete mixing apparatus, the combnatlon with a mixing drum having position or rneans for elevating and dropping a gregates therein, of means for drawing an ap plying power from the aggregates falling within vsaid drum,

35. In the art of mixing concrete aggregates, elevating and dropping the aggregates for interlningling same,` and deliver-l mg power from sald aggregates lncident to descent thereof on being dropped.

v36.` In a concrete mixing apparatus, tho 10` means interposed in the pathbt' descending aggregates forl utilizing the power thereo 15 In testimony whereof I aHix my signature.

GfEo'RGfiliE.y WEBB. 

